Hip Fracture Recovery at Home: Weeks, Equipment and Warning Signs

What happens in hospital

Most hip fractures are treated surgically: fixing the broken bone with screws, a plate or nail, or replacing the joint (half or total hip replacement). Surgery is usually done within 36 to 48 hours of admission if the person is fit, to reduce complications. Patients are encouraged to sit up and stand on the first day after surgery, with a physiotherapist, and to start walking with a frame soon after. Discharge depends on pain, mobility, thinking and home support. Ask before leaving hospital: Which operation was done? Can full weight go through the leg? Are there movement restrictions and for how long? Which medicines, including any blood thinners, and for how long? Which equipment is needed? When is the first follow-up? Who do we call? See hospital admission and discharge for seniors.

Preparing the home

• Set up living on one level if possible, with bed, toilet and seating close. See ground floor vs upper floor living.
• Clear floors of rugs, cables and clutter, with wide paths for a walker, and good lighting; see flooring, rugs and trip hazards.
• Bed at a safe height with a firm edge, so that feet are flat when sitting on the side; see bed height and getting out of bed. A hospital bed may help in some cases; see hospital bed buying guide.
• A firm chair with arms and a higher seat; low sofas are hard to rise from.
• Bathroom: raised toilet seat or frame, grab bars, shower chair, non-slip floor, no squat toilet in the early weeks; see raised toilet seat guide, toilet frame guide, shower chair buying guide and adapting an Indian bathroom for knees and hips.
• A commode at night if the toilet is far; see commode chair guide.
• Night lights and a phone or alarm within reach; see motion-sensor night lights and panic pendant buying guide.
• Help arranged for the first weeks: family members and, if needed, a trained attendant; see hiring a home attendant checklist.

For a full equipment list, see hip replacement recovery equipment, which applies to many hip operations, and bathroom setup after hip replacement.

Equipment commonly used

• Walking frame or walker, crutches or later a stick, fitted by a physiotherapist; see walking frame after hip or knee surgery and how to use a walking frame correctly.
• Raised toilet seat or toilet frame.
• Shower chair and handheld shower.
• Long-handled reacher, sock aid and shoe horn, if bending is restricted; see reacher grabber guide and dressing aid guide.
• Leg lifter strap.
• Firm chair, bedside table and a walker bag or tray.
• Non-slip, supportive, closed-heel footwear; see choosing shoes for older feet.
• Pressure-relieving cushion or mattress if mostly in bed or at high skin risk; see preventing bedsores at home.
• Compression stockings or blood thinners if prescribed to prevent clots.

Renting some items for the recovery period may be sensible; see equipment to rent vs buy checklist.

What to expect: a general picture over the weeks

These are general expectations, not a schedule. Your own team will give timings.

First days at home. Fatigue, pain, swelling and bruising of the thigh are common. The aim is regular short walks with the frame, sitting out of bed for meals, and following exercises. Many people need help for dressing, bathing, toileting and getting in and out of bed.

First two to six weeks. Pain gradually settles, walking distances grow, and the person starts doing more for themselves. Follow-up includes wound checks and an X-ray. Exercise typically focuses on strengthening the hip and leg muscles, standing balance and gentle walking, as set by the physiotherapist.

Six weeks to three months. Many people progress from frame to stick, climb stairs with a rail and regain much independence. Some need longer.

Three to twelve months. Strength, balance and confidence continue to improve. Some people do not return to their previous walking level, and this needs honest, kind discussion and appropriate support.

Safe movement

• Follow the surgeon's weight-bearing and movement rules exactly. If told not to bend the hip beyond a certain angle, cross the legs or twist, use equipment to avoid those movements. See bed transfer techniques.
• Get up and move frequently, rather than staying in bed or a chair for long periods; bed rest weakens muscles and raises the risk of clots, chest infection and pressure sores.
• Stand up slowly, pause before walking to avoid dizziness; see dizziness and low blood pressure when standing.
• Use the walking aid at all times as taught, including at night.
• Do not rush to answer the door or phone.
• Carers: never pull the person by the arms; use a transfer belt if advised; protect your own back; see how to use a transfer belt and how to lift and transfer safely.
• Exercise only as prescribed. For general principles see rehabilitation after fracture or surgery: physio plan.

Pain, swelling and wounds

• Take pain relief exactly as prescribed, and ask the doctor before adding anything. Good pain control allows walking and sleep. Some common painkillers are risky for older adults, so do not add others on your own; see painkillers and older adults.
• Elevate the leg and use cold packs wrapped in cloth for swelling, as advised; see heat or cold for joint pain.
• Keep the wound clean and dry as instructed; do not apply creams or home remedies; see wound care at home for older adults.
• Expect some thigh bruising and swelling that tracks down the leg.

Preventing complications

Blood clots. Immobility and surgery increase risk. Follow advice on medicines, stockings and leg exercises; see compression stockings guide. A swollen, painful calf or sudden breathlessness is an emergency.

Chest infection. Deep breathing, coughing and sitting upright help.

Pressure sores. Change position regularly, keep skin dry and check heels and the tailbone; see preventing bedsores at home.

Constipation and urinary problems. Pain medicines, immobility and low fluids cause them; keep fluids up, fibre in the diet and ask the doctor; see constipation in older adults and urinary tract infections in older adults.

Confusion (delirium). Common after hip fracture, particularly in people with memory problems; it is a medical emergency; see delirium in older adults. Keep glasses and hearing aids on, maintain a routine and daylight, and tell the doctor about sudden confusion.

Another fall. See below.

Nutrition and fluids

Healing and strength need energy and protein. Appetite is often poor after surgery. Offer small, frequent, protein-rich meals and snacks such as dal, eggs, curd, milk, paneer, fish or chicken as suits the diet; add supplements if a doctor or dietician advises; keep fluids up unless restricted. See how much protein do seniors need, malnutrition in older adults and hydration for older adults. Ask the doctor about vitamin D, calcium and bone-strengthening treatment, since a hip fracture means bones need protection; see osteoporosis at home.

Mood and thinking

Fear of falling, loss of independence and pain can bring low mood and anxiety. Encourage activity, company and small goals; praise progress; keep spiritual and social routines. If low mood or withdrawal persists, speak to the doctor; see depression in older adults and anxiety in older adults.

Preventing another fall

A person who has fallen once is at higher risk of falling again. Ask the doctor to review the cause, including medicines, blood pressure, vision, hearing, feet and balance; see falls risk assessment at home. Continue strength and balance exercises; see balance exercises for seniors. Keep home hazards low and a way to call for help; see what to do after a fall.

Warning signs

Call 112 for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, collapse, signs of stroke, or a fall with severe hip pain, a shortened or turned leg, or inability to stand. Call the surgeon or doctor the same day for fever, wound redness, heat, swelling or discharge; a swollen, red, painful calf; sudden severe hip pain; a leg that suddenly looks shorter or turned out; new numbness or weakness; vomiting or inability to eat or drink; black stools or bleeding; sudden confusion; or no urine for many hours.

Family and carers

Learn safe handling; share duties; keep a diary of medicines, pain, walking and appointments; see care diary and handover notes. Encourage independence in small tasks. Look after yourself; see caregiver burnout signs and prevention. Check insurance and claims early; see health insurance for senior citizens in India.

When to ask a professional

The surgeon sets movement and weight-bearing rules. A physiotherapist teaches walking and exercises. An occupational therapist advises on the home and daily tasks. A dietician helps with nutrition. A doctor manages medicines, bone health and complications. For senior services, call Elderline 14567. In an emergency, call 112.